Grading the Bucks: Week 4--Western Michigan

Eh.....what a thoroughly mediocre game.  Need to get better.

Offense: B-
I'm sorry.  I still expect more from this team.  There is simply too much talent to only score 31 on offense vs. the likes of Western Michigan.  Cardale had a nice day, but it should have been a very special day if those bombs were thrown correctly or if he managed the goalline situations correctly (that intentional grounding was a joke...).  He missed on 2-3 other deep passes that were open.  This is supposed to be his strength (and was in the playoffs).  We the burners we have on the outside, that a pass that must be completed.  Better game from the O-Line but Zeke needs more north-south plays called for him. He looked good, but I want more runs up the gut and out-muscling folk.  Step in the right direction, but the talent dictates we should be farther along.  On a sad note, JT didn't look very good, but I'm guessing Urban has completely thrown everything behind Cardale.  Not my choice, but since Jones is getting the reps, rust is expected from JT.

Defense: C+
Again, not good enough.  The defensive line got great pressure on passing plays but were bullied on rushing plays--unacceptable at OSU vs. MAC.  The linebackers were simply terrible in run defense.  McMillan had a ton of tackles but this was mostly a product of being completely out of position and catching the running back after it had passed him.  The inside linebackers were not up to snuff.  Washington has had a great season and was rewarded with a great play and fat-guy TD (3rd straight week with a defensive TD). Secondary was pretty good except for Eli Apple who looked terrible.  It was only one game, but he was certainly picked on.  Also, the Damon Webb suspension hurt the other side of the field.  Gareon Conley wasn't visible because WMU must have seen tape and decided it wasn't worth testing him.  Overall, 'eh' performance.  Too many gashes on the running plays for my liking.

Special Teams: A-
What? We didn't suck? No kickoffs out of bounds for the second straight week, a blocked punt (called back), blocked FG, and a punt downed at the 1....nice resume for the week.  Only downgrade is no scores, but I'm great with these results on special teams.

Coaching: B
In game coaching was fine, but I'd still like to see more Zeke up the gut at times.  Thankfully, they started calling deep passes to exploit Cardale's strength.  Defensively, the team didn't look angry enough and they looked confused as to why they were getting beat on rushing plays.  The physical talent advantage is enormous, so the difference is either preparation (coaching) or motivation (coaching).  I need to see a higher level of focus from the players.  This game should have been an absolute laugher at halftime (40 point lead)...it would have been last year.  Need to rediscover the hunger.

Overall: B-
Thoroughly mediocre.  Keep improving.  Another undefeated foe with a chip on the shoulder this week.  IU is going to throw everything on the table.  Be ready Bucks.  This weeks level might not be enough next week.